REJOICE AS YOU PARTICIPATE IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS
1 Peter 4:1-19
Key Verse: 4:13
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
What attitude should we have toward suffering (1a)? What do the words “arm yourselves” imply? How does suffering in the body help us (1b-2)? When sinful desires arise, what should we realize (3)?
How do pagans react when Christians live holy lives, and why (4; Jn 3:19-20)? What should suffering Christians remember about the final destiny of those who persecute them (5), and those who die in the faith (6)?
What should Christians realize about this age (7a)? How does this realization affect our lifestyle and behavior (7b-9)? Why is it so important to love one another in the Christian community? How can we serve another and for what purpose (10-11)?
Read verses 12-13. What is the natural response to fiery ordeals, and how should Christians be different? How can we rejoice in the midst of sufferings (Ac 5:41; Php 3:10; Col 1:24)? What is the final result (13b)?
For what should Christians suffer, and not suffer, and what results for each (14-16a)? What should we do when suffering for being Christians (16b,19)? What is the outcome of suffering for the righteous and for the ungodly (17-18)?